News
Dec 11, 2019
This year, the trade showfloor at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, which took place Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, featured plenty of new and innovative event technology and tech partnerships to keep attendees buzzing. Here are a few event tech providers that generated lots of on-site excitement.
CadmiumCD Upgrades Exhibitor and Sponsorship Management Software
CadmiumCD announced the launch of upgrades to its Expo Harvester software, which now features registration badge allocation, improved administrative functionality and more robust financial… more
Dec 11, 2019
At the first light of dawn on the third day of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! last week in Las Vegas, 158 people took part in the inaugural Terence Donnelly (T-Dawg) Memorial 5K Run/1 Mile Walk.
Donnelly, who passed away earlier this year, was a long-time member of IAEE and worked for Experient for many years.
More than $5,000 from the run/walk was raised to support the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Foundation.
“The support shown by Expo! Expo! attendees speaks not only to the remarkable person Terence was and to his legacy, both… more
Dec 10, 2019
Networking, education, hugs from friends and Froot Loops-sprinkled doughnuts were all part of the experience at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The annual “show for shows” attracted more than 2,300 trade show professionals from 32 countries and featured a sold-out, 41,700-square-foot showfloor with 270 exhibitors.
The event kicked off on Tuesday with the opening general session and the CEM Class of 2019 presentation, which recognized 300 graduates of the CEM Learning Program. \
Attendees then got a… more
Dec 10, 2019
Last week, International Association for Exhibitions and Events announced the results of the election determining its 2020 Board of Directors at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas.
The 2020 board will be led by Robert (Bob) McLean, executive vice president of Promotional Products Association International. He’s worked at the association since 2008 and has served in his current role since fall 2011. As chairperson, he will focus on the continuation of IAEE’s advocacy efforts, including its work with the Exhibitions Mean Business campaign.
“The business-to-business… more
Dec 09, 2019
China’s newest and largest convention center, Shenzhen World, opened in early November. The venue, which will be the biggest exhibition and convention center in the world once its Phase 2 construction is completed, is also aiming to be the most sustainable and most intelligent. One thing is certain: The impressive facility will play a significant role in growing the region’s economy.
Located in the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen is China’s technology innovation hub and home to more than 3 million businesses. The city has grown from a small fishing village to a metropolis in just three decades… more
Dec 04, 2019
Food and beverage trade show producer Clarion UX Food & Beverage Group has launched a virtual learning experience for restaurant, foodservice, hospitality and catering industry professionals as a complement to its live trade show education programs. The 12 webinars in the series so far cover key industry topics including grassroots marketing, food safety, social media, hot trends, elevating coffee programs and more.
The series is led by foodservice industry experts who are also speakers at several Clarion UX trade shows, including the upcoming International Restaurant & Foodservice… more
Dec 04, 2019
A new leader will soon take the helm at VisitDallas, the city’s convention and visitors bureau responsible for attracting tourism, meetings and conventions to the Texas destination. On Jan. 6, 2020, Craig Davis, the current president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, will become the Dallas CVB’s new president and CEO.
Davis will replace VisitDallas Interim President and CEO Sam Coats, who assumed leadership of the agency in May after former President and CEO Phillip Jones stepped down. Jones left his position following a controversy stirred up by a January audit that questioned the ROI of the CVB… more
Dec 04, 2019
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, a global B2B media company, has acquired Smarter Shows, a U.K.-based exhibition and conference organizer.
The acquisition enables Tarsus to strengthen its position in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industry sectors while increasing its coverage of the related industry supply chains and opening up access to new verticals.
“Over the years, I have observed and admired what James [Reader] and the Smarter Shows team have achieved,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group CEO.
He added, “I’m pleased to be working with them to develop and expand the business… more
Dec 04, 2019
You may have never heard of Soundings Connect, but it’s a group you’ll want to get familiar with — and maybe even join. Founded in San Diego in 2018, it’s a network of 200 (and growing!) freelance meeting and event professionals, all of whom have professional experience in the fields of trade show management, meeting planning, event marketing and more.
The goal of the organization is to strategically match companies in need of these services with professionals whose skill sets and talents line up with their objectives. “We focus on both hard and soft skills to ensure the right fit,” says… more
Dec 02, 2019
Experiential marketing and live event production agencies Gravel Experiential and GES Events are teaming up. The two companies will work together to broaden their existing client base with a focus on corporations searching for top-notch event production in new and emerging markets.
While both GES Events and Gravel XP offer similar services, the two are also complementary in many ways. Gravel XP has a long history supporting U.S.-based events in specialized industries including consumer packaged goods, alcohol and spirits, pharmaceutical, technology and consultancies. Its services are… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.